Rough Justice In Academia (The Ralph Chalmers Mysteries Book 2)

Rough Justice in Academia is the work of P.J. Thurbin, a relatively new writer to the fictional crime scene. His fast moving style will delight the reader who enjoys a likeable cast of characters while at the same time is challenged with having to unravel a mystery. This is the second in a series of books featuring Ralph Chalmers, full time university professor and part - time sleuth. It is centered on a modern University campus situated near the town of Kingston upon Thames just 12 miles from London. A group of academics find themselves embroiled in the murder of a retired colleague as he and his wife leave a local theatre. Professor Ralph Chalmers attempts to unravel the links between an incident involving suspected cheating by two students while taking their final University examinations some 20 years earlier and the murder.
While Inspector Linham and his Sergeant Wilson attempt to apprehend the perpetrator of the crime, Ralph has his own views, aided by his friend and former colleague Katie Eggerton midst suggestions of KGB and mafia involvement. When Ralph asks Sir George Rainton, one of the students involved in the long ago cheating incident, to be the keynote speaker at the spring conference, things begin to go decidedly awry.
The fast paced action moves between inmates at Holloway Prison, investigators working for MI6, germ warfare at government research establishments and the seemingly tranquil campus of the university which are all woven into the plot. It culminates with a banquet that the University hosts at Henry VIII€s historic palace at Hampton Court which provides an exciting setting for further mayhem. The d©nouement demonstrates how greed and revenge can result in tragedy for villain and innocent bystander alike. This novel is a must for anyone who enjoys the thrill of a good murder mystery coupled with characters who become familiar friends.